Dog Sledge: was built like a toboggan‑ with a flat bottom and guard or dashboard in the front. It was wide enough to seat one person and long enough so he could recline if desired. The driver could jump off and on going at high speed.
The passengers wrapped in furs which would keep them warm and comfortable up to 75 to 90 miles a day. Usually there would be three dogs and a driver. Some of them had as high as 25 sledges in a train. The dogs were held in check by a strong cord attached to their heads. They responded to a motion of a whip or hand to indicate the direction. Every dog knew his name and all of them became attached to their master, especially if they were well treated. They were fed a pound of pemmican a day. The trained leader was worth $20, others from $8‑10. Their life of usefulness on the train ran from eight to ten years. A dog sledge could carry 400 pounds. They were used for freight and passengers.
This type of sledge was used on the Fort Totten Trail in the wintertime.
Travois: A travois was two poles 16 feet long, fastened to a pony with the rear dragging on the ground. A bar fastened them together and they made a comfortable carriage. They could be used to transport up to 400 pounds. A woman, two or three children with baggage. They were also called traville. The travois was often used by the Indians on their trips across the county going from one reservation to the other.
Red River Cart: First appeared in 1801. It was made entirely of wood. The spokes were placed perpendicularly without the least leaning outward. They had a four-inch wheel. It could carry 400 pounds and was drawn by one horse, or ox, or cow. Sometimes there would be 25‑50 in a train and sometimes 300.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 38